Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/497

Rh Walla Walla valley, July eighth, there were two hundred and ninety of Shaw's command, and sixty Nez Percé auxiliaries, under Spotted Eagle, accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel Craig. Supplies were immediately sent forward to the Nez Percé country, a pack train of one hundred animals being taken there in charge of special agent Robie without an escort.

Colonel Shaw had been instructed by Governor Stevens to "spare no exertion to reduce to unconditional submission any hostiles within reach," and learning that there was a considerable force of the enemy in the Grand Rond, determined to attack them. Moving on the night of the fourteenth of July, he struck them on the seventeenth, defeating them with heavy loss, capturing a large number of animals, destroying their provisions, and taking one hundred pounds of ammunition. Major Layton was at the same time on the immigrant trail leading to the crossing of Snake river, and skirmishing with the Indians wherever they were overtaken.

This vigorous policy produced a marked effect in weakening the influence of the Spokanes with the Nez Percés. So far had they prevailed with that people in the absence of Craig and the sixty auxiliaries, that when Robie reached the agency with the supply train he was ordered out of the country and marched one hundred miles back to Mill creek without halting. On Shaw's return to headquarters after the battle of Grand Rond, he sent the chief, Captain John, to the Nez Percés with this message: "I am your friend; I have not come to fight you, but the hostiles. But if you beat your drums for war, I will parade my men for battle." The Nez Percés then sent back friendly messages.

The last of the Oregon volunteers were disbanded in August. About the same time Colonel Wright informed Governor Stevens that he intended to send four companies under Lieutenant-Colonel Steptoe to occupy the Walla Walla, and the term of service of Shaw's command